Sparkhouse

Written between 80 and 90 CE, Matthew records the life and ministry of Jesus several decades after his death and resurrection. Written by a Jewish follower of Jesus, for other Jewish followers, Matthew highlights certain details of Jesus’ life, often highlighting not only his Jewishness but also the struggle of living under an oppressive empire that threatened his life more than once. Read through the book of Matthew while learning about the more human side of Jesus including his struggles, how he was challenged, confronted, and at times even changed. 
 
Together by Grace: Bible Conversations is a series of guided conversations that invite participants to gather together, dwell in the stories of the Bible, and engage with the text and one another. With guided conversations and open-ended questions, everyone is invited to share thoughts, experiences, and similarities in these roundtable discussions that approach biblical stories honestly, wrestle with tough questions, and build community. Each session can be led by anyone, regardless of their level of biblical knowledge, and are flexible in format and length.

The facilitator’s main role in Together by Grace groups is to guide conversation and to encourage everyone to participate in the activities and discussion. This guide gives facilitators everything they need to guide the group through the sessions including background information, instructions, and tips for carrying out this role. Extensive biblical knowledge is not required to use this guide. 

Key companion product for this series:  Together by Grace MATTHEW:  Participant Guide

A new Bible to complement this series:  Based on the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition, Together by Grace reflects the most up-to-date biblical scholarship. 
The Lutheran Study Bible, Second Edition NRSVue, available in hardcover and paperback, is the perfect companion to this series, and its supplemental notes, charts, maps, and articles will deepen participants’ understanding of the material.

Coming soon! Downloadable versions of Together by Grace: Bible Conversations, including an Enlarged Print version of each Participant Guide